Sport Strength and Conditioning

Strength and conditioning is an integral part of any athletic development program across all sports. Sport Strength and Conditioning considers the various methods used to physically prepare athletes in sport. Training methods used to enhance the capacity of the 3 energy systems (phosphate, lactic and aerobic) is considered in the context of periodisation and long-term athlete development. Appropriate training modalities will be presented for aerobic, strength, power, speed and agility capacities. Effective prehabilitation and rehabilitation methods will then be explored with respect to injury prevention and the purpose of warm-up and cool-downs and different types of flexibility sessions. Taping and measuring loading / peaking index during training phases will be demonstrated along with participation in various recovery strategies. Finally, designing long-term athlete development programs for athletes of diverse physical requirements is considered in the context of strength and conditioning. Sport Strength and Conditioning provides an in-depth understanding of athletic physical preparation including appropriate testing and training methods.

Key Outcomes

Demonstrated understanding of appropriate preparation and development of athletes using an evidence-based approach
Ability to coach core lifts in sport strength and conditioning
Ability to incorporate an appropriate strength and conditioning program in a long-term athlete development program

Topics

Background to sport strength and conditioning
Background to athlete assessment and conducting a needs analysis
Periodisation in sport strength and conditioning
Energy system training
Aerobic training methods
Strength development
Power development
Speed and agility
Flexibility and mobility
The role of warm-ups and cool-downs as a sport trainer
Recovery methods
Tapering and the role of the strength and conditioning coach
Rehabilitation and injury prevention in strength and conditioning
Strength and conditioning and special populations
Future of strength and conditioning

Resources

National Strength and Conditioning Association,(2008), Essentials of strength training and conditioning, Baechle, T. R. and Earle R.W. (Ed.), Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Fleck, S. J. and Kraemer, W. J., (2004), Designing resistance training programs (3rd edn), Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Wilmore, J. H., Costill, D.L. and Kenney, W. H., (2008), Physiology of sport and exercise (4th edn), Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Assignments

Coaching log book and practical tasks including coaching the core lists relevant to strength and conditioning
Periodisation and planning assessment for a chosen sport including needs analysis, background research, training goals and testing, yearly plan, training programs appropriate to yearly plan, justification of training methods, monitoring of program and references
Examination of course material

Coordinator

Keane Wheeler